The Sanctuary of Montserrat

The Sanctuary of Monserrat is just 32 miles from Barcelona. It is nested in the middle of the most emblematic mountain in Catalonia and surrounded by a unique and spectacular landscape. More than two million people arrive every year due to the Marian importance of this place, as well as its cultural and natural importance.

The Monastery

the Benedictine monastery, founded by abbot Oliva on 1025 is one of the institutions that give monserrat its own personality.  Approximately 70 monks dedicate their lives to work, prayer and to the welcoming service of pilgrims and visitors. The goal is to make Monserrat a prayer and meeting place.  The main activities of the monks are the organization of the monastery and the sanctuary services, research and teaching, popularization of studies and training the choir.
The library of the monastery has played a fundamental role in the preservation and popularization of the Catalonian Culture. It has more than 300,000 books and volumes.

The "Escolania" (kids choir)

Created in the 14th century, the "Escolania of Monserrat" is today one of the oldest kids choirs in Europe.  With up to 50 boys on school age, the choir sings every day in the basilica, participating in the liturgical celebrations.
From Mondayto Friday, the "Escolania" sings the "salve" and the "Virola" at 1pm and the "Salve Montserratina" (anthem of montserrat) at 7pm (alternating polyphony and Gregorian Chant with the monks choir). On Sundays at noon they are part of the convent mass.

The Image Of Our Lady Of Montserrat

The Virgin of Montserrat, popularly known as "La Moreneta" (The little dark-skinned one) due to the dark color of her face and hands, is a 12th century Romansque carving of great beauty and expressiveness. As an expression of the veneration to the holly image., pilgrims and visitors touch or kiss the right hand of the image. As a result, this right hand has partially lost the original color. Despite of the successive ups and downs, and vicissitudes suffer by the "Moreneta" (wars, fires, revolts...) the image has managed to escape undamaged. This was possible thanks to the care and safeguard taken by the monks. These and other moments in history have made the Virgin of Monserrat one of the main symbols of Catalonia. She has a very relevant place in the history of the catalonian people.  The image was crowned patron saint of Catalonia on 1881 by Pope Leon X111.